The local Power of Play group is ready to take its plans to the next level.
On April 15, Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj told members of council she wanted to start off the meeting with a “good News story.”
That story, she said, was sitting right in front of them in the form of Andy Speers, who helped spearhead Power of Play, an initiative for a fully-accessible playground for Stait Park in Fergus.
Speers said he looked forward to updating council on the initiative. He said that when he made his presentation last August, his goal was to raise enough funds to create Centre Wellington’s first fully-accessible playground.
“Since then, we’ve created quite a stir in the community. It’s been very well supported.”
And, since his initial presentation, the group has added a total of three accessible swings to parks in Fergus, Elora and Salem.
He said Power of Play placed 15th overall for the Viva Community Fund, which had over 3,000 community project applications.
Speers noted that Fergus-Elora Rotary is the park’s major sponsor, with a donation of $50,000. He added the Power of Play group fundraised to the amount of $30,000.
He also mentioned the creation of a writing competition for Centre Wellington youth on wheelchair basketball player Patrick Anderson. The winning essay will be the tribute to Anderson within the playground.
Speers noted the project received an $80,000 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation and the group was still waiting on a similar grant ($50,000) from the federal government.
He anticipated an answer regarding the federal grant later this week.
“We’ve finished playground plans for township approval.”
The company, PlayPower, has been used by the township in the past.
“We have achieved our goal of raising $200,000 which will pay for the equipment and rubberized ground covering.”
Plus, Speers said, there is a $10,000 sponsor for an accessible playground in Elora whenever the group decides to move forward with that project.
“But that,” he said “is for a different time and a different meeting.”
Speers said his group has been busy over the past few months.
“It’s all been worth it. It is evident our community is passionate about this project, and for that reason we would like to move forward with this playground as soon as possible.
“Our goal is to have the playground built by this summer.” He believes the goal is achievable – with council’s approval.
“We realize there are steps which need to be taken first.”
He explained an open house meeting set for April 23 at the Fergus Sportsplex will allow the community to share opinions and to take a look at project plans.
A meeting is also planned with the parks and recreation committee to finalize details including additional costs which include fencing, drainage, fill and a sidewalk.
Speers added the group will be getting waivers signed by community members involved in the base preparation.
“We feel it is important to get our surrounding community out and involved in the project.”
He hopes to return to council on May 9 with finalized plans for approval “to have the playground ordered and built shortly thereafter.
“We are excited and looking forward to working with you guys to make this a reality.”
Speers added the playground will be named after the Fergus-Elora Rotary Club because of its donation.
Ross-Zuj offered her congratulations to the group.
“It’s truly a dream come true, isn’t it?”
She said those she’s spoken to have been complimentary towards the group’s approach and passion.
Speers said, “Every community member we’ve dealt with has been just amazing. It has shown my wife and I, and our group what an amazing community we live in.”
